ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Clarification regarding statement of Shri Rahul Gandhi on SPG
It has been reported in a section of the media that Shri Rahul Gandhi, during an interaction at New Delhi on Saturday , had commented that “The SPG Chief appointed by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had to quit because he refused to accept a list of SPG officers handpicked by the RSS”.
The matter has been verified. The officer in question, Shri Vivek Srivastava, former Director, Special Protection Group , has specifically averred that he did not have any such conversation with Shri Rahul Gandhi at any point of time. The officer has stated that as part of his professional duties he interacted with SPG protectees; however, he has categorically stated that during his interaction with Shri Gandhi, there was no talk whatsoever regarding the appointment of a new Director, or the reasons for his leaving SPG.
SPG is a professional organisation which takes its task of protecting serving Prime Ministers, former Prime Ministers and their families entrusted to its security, very seriously and in the highest professional spirit. The comment reportedly made by Shri Gandhi through the media is baseless, devoid of fact and unfortunate, coming from an SPG protectee.
Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain takes over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC
Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, AVSM, VSM took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command  from Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC at an impressive Ceremonial Parade held at the Naval Base here today, 30 May 2019. Vice Admiral Jain inspected the Ceremonial Guard and reviewed platoons of Naval personnel drawn from various ships and establishments of the ENC and attended by all Flag Officers and Commanding Officers of ships, submarines and establishments. Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, the outgoing FOC-in-C will assume charge as the Chief of the Naval Staff on promotion to the rank of Admiral on 31 May 19.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1982, Vice Adm Atul Kumar Jain is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, National Defence Academy , the Defence Services Staff College , the College of Naval Warfare  and the National Defence College . The Admiral is a graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru University  and has received his Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Madras University.
A Gunnery and Missile Specialist, Vice Admiral has held various Operational, Staff and Command Appointments in the course of his distinguished career spanning over 37 years. Vice Admiral Jain has commanded INS Nirghat , INS Khukri , INS Rajput  and the indigenously built Destroyer, INS Mysore. He also had the privilege of being the commissioning Executive Officer of INS Brahmaputra and the Fleet Operations Officer of the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam. His appointments ashore include Director Naval Intelligence , Director Foreign Liaison and Principal Director Staff Requirement at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence , New Delhi.
On promotion to the Flag Rank in Oct 2011, he was appointed as the first Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area. Thereafter, he commanded the prestigious Eastern Fleet and had also served as the Chief of Staff, HQ SNC. He was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral on 01 Apr 15 while he was Controller Personnel Services . The Flag Officer was holding the appointment of Chief of Staff, HQ ENC from Feb 16 to Dec 17 and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff at New Delhi prior taking over as the C-in-C. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 2009 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2015.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
KVIC Comes To The Rescue of Cocoon Farmers In Tamil Nadu
When the country was struggling hard with deadly Corona virus, Khadi and Village Industries Commission , an autonomous body under Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with its Khadi Institutions  in Tamil Nadu has discharged its responsibility once again by purchasing cocoons from cocoon farmers.
The main objectives of KVIC was to help the cocoon farmers struggling to sell their crop due to lock down pandemic outbreak and secondly to ensure continuous supply of Cocoons to the khadi institutions involved in Silk production.
Shedding light on the issue Chairman, KVIC, Mr. Vinai Saxena said that “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that farmers are the backbone of the country. Keeping in mind their welfare, these purchases were not as easy as it looks. As per the procedure in vogue, Silk producing KIs have to purchase silk cocoons from the State Government regulated sericulture markets only. Hence, permission was required from the district administration as well as from sericulture department for the direct purchase from the farmers”. Shri Saxena further said that “as a result of constant efforts and ability to narrate the cocoon farmer’s hardships in front of district administration and before the sericulture department effectively by the KVIC officials in Chennai, the district administration finally granted the permission. Had we not made these purchases now, then the damage to the farmers would have been unbearable”.
The necessity of this deal can be gauged by the fact that reared cocoon must be steamed within five days, or else the larvae would come out of it after cutting the cocoon shell, making the entire crop a complete waist. Cut cocoons cannot be used for reeling the silk yarn. In this sense, these purchases are blessing for the cocoon farmers.
KVIC’s Chennai office in coordination with six Khadi institutions has facilitated the purchase of around 9500 kgs of the cocoon directly from the farmers, worth over Rs 40 lakhs. Six more KIs are likely to get permission soon to purchase 8000 kgs cocoon directly from farmers.
KVIC has always shown great concern for the development of farmers in particular and Khadi institutions in general; be it taking the historic initiative of setting up first-ever Silk Processing Plant in Surendranagar in Gujrat while reducing the cost of production of silk yarn drastically to implementing plans and policies to uplift cocoon farmers, KVIC has left no stone unturned and is consistently striving to make India a better place for farmers, producers, and the consumer.
Prime Minister's Office
PM recalls contributions of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on Thevar Jayanthi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has recalled the rich contributions of the illustrious Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on Thevar Jayanthi.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"On the special occasion of Thevar Jayanthi, I recall the rich contributions of the illustrious Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. Extremely brave and kind hearted, he devoted his life to public welfare and social justice. He made many efforts for the welfare of farmers and workers."
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Extends Validity of Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum from 31st March, 2021 to 31st December, 2021
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has issued an amendment to the original notification No. S.O. 2119  dated 26.06.2020 vide 2347 dated 16.06.2021, extending the validity of EM Part-II and UAMs from 31.03.2021 to 31.12.2021. This would facilitate the holders of EM Part-II and UAMs to avail benefits of the provisions under various existing schemes and incentives including Priority Sector Lending benefits of MSME.
Considering the hardships faced by MSMEs during the prevailing COVID-19 situation and the representations received from the various MSME associations, financial institutions and Government departments dealing with the interest of MSME Sector, the said amendment has been carried out.
It is expected that existing EM Part-II and UAM holders would be able to migrate to the new system of Udyam Registration, which was launched on 1st July, 2020, and would avail the benefits of Government Schemes, thereby paving the way for strengthening MSMEs and leading to their faster recovery, boost to their economic activity and creation of jobs.
Interested enterprises can register on https://udyamregistration.gov.in free of cost and without any documents. Only PAN and Aadhaar are required for registration on the Udyam portal. So far, this portal has facilitated registration and classification of 33,16,210 enterprises as on 17.06.2021 .
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves combination involving setting up of Mindspace REIT by K. Raheja Corp Group
The Competition Commision of India  approves proposed combination involving setting up of Mindspace REIT  by K. Raheja Corp Group and acquisition of certain equity shareholding held by selling shareholders in the Target Entities by REIT, under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002
The parties to the combination are:
- Acquirer: Mindspace Business Parks REIT 
- Target Entities: K. Raheja IT Park  Limited, Intime Properties Limited, Sundew Properties Limited, Avacado Properties and Trading  Private Limited, Gigaplex Estate Private Limited, KRC Infrastructure and Projects Private Limited, Horizonview Properties Private Limited; and Mindspace Business Parks Private Limited 
Mindspace REIT is set up as a contributory, irrevocable and determinate trust under the provisions of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, with object and purpose to carry on a real estate investment trust, as permissible under the REIT Regulations, to raise funds through the REIT, to make investments in accordance with the REIT Regulations and the investment strategy and to carry on the activities as may be required for operating the REIT, including incidental and ancillary matters thereto.
The Target Entities are special purpose vehicles and are active in the commercial real estate industry. The business of the Target Entities consists of 10 commercial real estate projects. These commercial real estate projects are a mix of information technology parks, commercial buildings and special economic zone projects located in Mumbai Region, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai.
The proposed transaction pertains to setting up and listing of a real estate investment trust  in India. It essentially entails acquisition of certain equity shareholding held by the selling shareholders in the Target Entities by Mindspace REIT, in accordance with the Securities Exchange Board of India  Regulations, 2014  .
The CCI approved the Proposed Combination under Section 31 of the Act.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No.19/2020 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby make the following amendments in the Notification of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs No.15/2020-CUSTOMS , dated 20th February, 2020 with effect from 5th March, 2020, namely: -
In the SCHEDULE-I of the said Notification, for serial No.5, 6, and 16 and the entries relating thereto and in the SCHEDULE-II for serial No. 1 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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5.
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Danish Kroner
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11.10
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10.70
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6.
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Euro
|
|
83.05
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80.05
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16.
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Swedish Kroner
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7.85
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7.60
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||
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SCHEDULE-II
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Japanese Yen
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69.30
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66.75
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 542
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 198.99 Crore
More than 9 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 198.99 Crore  today. More than 9 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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1st Dose
|
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10409846
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2nd Dose
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10074484
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Precaution Dose
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5904904
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FLWs
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1st Dose
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|
18426151
|
|
2nd Dose
|
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17642795
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Precaution Dose
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11018002
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Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
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37549182
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|
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2nd Dose
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25285073
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Age Group 15-18 years
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|
1st Dose
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60717636
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2nd Dose
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49656214
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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|
558681373
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2nd Dose
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504493421
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Precaution Dose
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4080120
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Age Group 45-59 years
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|
1st Dose
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203533107
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2nd Dose
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194227459
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Precaution Dose
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3084101
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Over 60 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
127331586
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2nd Dose
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121353871
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Precaution Dose
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26451977
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Cumulative 1st dose administered
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1016648881
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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922733317
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Precaution Dose
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50539104
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Total
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1989921302
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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Date: 11th July, 2022 
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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78
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2nd Dose
|
|
391
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Precaution Dose
|
|
15658
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|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
143
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
857
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
69299
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55234
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
121030
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
15679
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
51585
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
22671
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
165590
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
83740
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
4403
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
36467
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
35845
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|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3645
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
25284
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|
Precaution Dose
|
|
221133
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|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
101853
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|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
401204
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
425675
|
|
Total
|
|
928732
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Prime Minister's Office
PM lauds all those working towards protecting the habitat of lions on occasion of World Lion Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded the dedication of all those working towards protecting the habitat of lions on the occasion of World Lion Day.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
“World Lion Day is an occasion to celebrate the majestic lions that captivate our hearts with their strength and magnificence. India is proud to be home to the Asiatic Lions and over the last few years there has been a steady rise in the lion population in India. I laud all those working towards protecting the habitat of lions. May we continue to cherish and protect them, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.”
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Nepal in the field of Health Research
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding  signed between Indian Council of Medical Research , India and the Nepal Health Research Council , Nepal in 17 November 2020 and 4 January
2021 respectively.
The objectives of this MOU are collaboration on joint research activities of mutual interest such as cross-border health issues, Ayurveda/traditional medicine and medicinal plants, climate change and health, non-communicable diseases, mental Health, Population based cancer registry, tropical diseases , Influenza, Clinical Trial Registry, health research ethics, Capacity building through exchange of knowledge, skills tools and fellows and Collaboration for adoption of tools, guidelines, protocols and best practices related to health research.
Each Party shall fund the components of the research approved under this MoU to be conducted in their country or may apply jointly for third party funding. For the exchange of scientists under approved collaborative projects, the sending Party shall bear the cost of travel of visiting scientists whereas the receiving Party will provide the accommodation and living expenses of the scientist/researcher. Commitment of funds for workshops/meetings and research projects may be decided from time to time as per the funds available at that time. Arrangements to implement and execute all these activities shall be agreed to by the Parties prior to commencement of the activity.
Vice President's Secretariat
Narendra Modi, Hamid Ansari, Dr. Manmohan Singh at Venkaiah’s Sankranti Milan
The festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal symbolize the happiness that comes with good harvest: Vice President
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the former Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, the former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and several Central Ministers and dignitaries have graced the Sankranti Milan, organized by the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, here today.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu said that the festival Makar Sankranti dedicated to Sun God, symbolizes ‘Uttarayan' or the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun. Celebrated with different names all over the country, the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal symbolize the happiness that comes with good harvest and is a celebration of a positive transformation in people's lives, he added.
The Vice President said that Makar Sankranti Festival is also an occasion to revitalize our lives through prayers and reverence for rivers and all living beings. He further said that on this day lakhs of people take holy dip in the sacred rivers. This is the only festival which marks the start of new season called by so many names, and in every culture the food prepared is essentially Khichdi  both Sweet  and Spicy varieties, he added.
The Vice President said that let us salute the unsung heroes on the special occasion of the harvest festival - Sankranti. He further said that let us join hands in paying tribute to the real heroes of the country, the Indian farmers for their relentless effort sweat and toil. May these festivals usher in prosperity, tranquility and happiness in our country, he added.
UPSC
Lateral Recruitment for Joint Secretary Level and Director Level Posts on Contract Basis
As per the requisitions received from the Department of Personnel & Training , Government of India, talented and motivated Indian nationals willing to contribute towards nation building are being invited to join the Government at the level of Joint Secretary on contract basis in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and at the level of Director on contract basis in the following Departments/Ministries of the Government:-
- Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
- Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Law & Justice
- Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education
- Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
- Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
The detailed advertisement and instructions to the candidates will be uploaded on the Commission’s website on 6th February 2021. Interested candidates can apply from the 6th of February 2021 to 22nd March 2021.
Candidates will be short-listed for Interview on the basis of the information provided by them in their online application. They must ensure that such information is correct.
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SNC
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves accession to the Protocol under WHO
Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate
illicit trade in tobacco products
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given approval to accede to the Protocol under World Health Organization  Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products. It will be applicable to both smoking and chewing or smokeless tobacco  forms as negotiated and adopted under Article 15 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control . India is a party to WHO FCTC.
Details:
The protocol lays down obligations of the parties. It spells out supply chain control measures that must be adopted by the parties viz. licensing of manufacture of tobacco products and machinery for manufacturing of tobacco products, due diligence to be kept by those engaged in production, tracking and tracing regime, record keeping, security; and measures to be taken by those engaged in e-commerce, manufacturing in free-trade zones and duty free sales.
The protocol lists out offences, enforcement measures such as seizures and disposal of seized products. It calls for international cooperation in information sharing, maintaining confidentiality, training, technical assistance and cooperation in scientific and technical and technological matters.
Impact:
Elimination of illicit trade in tobacco products through strengthened regulation will help in strengthening comprehensive tobacco control, leading to reduction in tobacco use which in turn, will result in reduction in disease burden and mortality associated with tobacco use.
Accession to such treaty will provide actionable alternatives against such prevailing practices that are affecting public health at large. India, being at the forefront of tobacco control, would be able to influence the international organizations including World Custom Organization in controlling such illicit trade.
The protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products is a path breaking initiative in strengthening global action against tobacco and is also a new legal instrument in public health. It is a comprehensive tool to counter and eventually eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products and to strengthen legal dimensions for international health cooperation.
Background:
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control  is the first international public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO. The objective of FCTC is to provide a framework for supply and demand reduction measures for tobacco control at the national, regional and global levels.
One of the key tobacco supply reduction strategies contained in Article 15 of WHO FCTC envisages elimination of all forms of illicit trade and tobacco products, including smuggling, illicit manufacturing and counterfeiting. Accordingly, the said Protocol was developed and adopted by the Conference of Parties  which is the governing body of FCTC. The protocol is divided into 10 parts and contains 47 Articles.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Sale of Wheat and rice under Open Market Sale Scheme  by FCI,Regional office Maharashtra
Food Corporation of India , Regional Office Maharashtra has started to offer wheat and rice for sale from the last week of June 23 under OMSS .
Buyers willing to purchase wheat and rice stocks may get empanelled themselves with FCI’s e-auction Service Provider “m-Junction Services Limited”  and bid for Stocks. The empanelment process would be completed within 72 hours for any party who wish to register their names. Processors/Flour Mills/ Manufacturers of wheat products and Traders/Bulk buyers/Manufacturers for rice can participate. Stocks are offered from 25 Depots for 10000 MT Wheat and 34 Depots for 20000 MT Rice under all over Maharashtra region including Goa state for coming auction dated 23.08.2023. OMSS scheme will help containing the rising prices and will bring much relief to the common man.